Christine McVie, the keyboardist for 70’s supergroup Fleetwood Mac passed away on Nov. 30.
McVie’s family announced that the musician died at a hospital “following a short illness.”
The cause of death was not indicated.
Tributes from McVie’s contemporaries started to pour as news of her passing broke.
Ann Wilson of Heart wrote: “Christine was a gem. Soulful, classy and a beautiful songwriter. ‘Over My Head’ was always my sultry, angelic favorite. Bon Voyage sweet soul!.”
The official statement of Fleetwood Mac read: “There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine McVie. She was truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure. She was the best musician anyone could have in their life. We were so lucky to have a life with her. Individually and together, we cherished Christine deeply and are thankful for the amazing memories we have. She will be so very missed.”
Mick Fleetwood, founder and drummer and longtime band mate of McVie also took to his socials to express his sorrow of McVie’s passing.
“This is where my dear sweet Friend Christine McVie has taken to flight…and left us earthbound folks to listen with bated breath to the sound of that “songbird,” referring to a song off the band’s 1977 hit album “Rumors” that was written and sung by McVie.
He continued, adding “reminding one and all that love is all around us to reach for and touch in this precious life that is gifted to us. Part of my heart has flown away today…I will miss everything about you Christine McVie...memories abound…they fly to me.”
Stevie Nicks, the lead female vocalist of Fleetwood Mac, also expressed her feelings about her best friend’s death.
“A few hours ago, I was told that my best friend in the whole world since the first day of 1975, had passed away. I didn’t even know she was ill, Until late Saturday night. I wanted to be in London; I wanted to get to London – but we were told to wait. So, since Saturday, one song has been swirling around in my head, over and over and over. I thought I might possibly get to sing it to her so, I’m singing it to her now. I always knew I would need these words one day,” Nicks wrote.
The singer then wrote in a letter (and posted it on her Instagram) the lyrics to Haim’s “Hallelujah” that went, “I had a best friend / but she has come to pass / one I wish I could see now / you always remind me that memories will last / these arms reach out / you were there to protect me like a shield / long hair running with me / through the field, everywhere you’ve always been with me all along.”
“See you on the other side, my love. Don’t forget me. Always, Stevie.”
The pair’s only duet is a song called “All Over Again” from the 1995 Fleetwood Mac album “Time.”
Christine McVie is a singer-songwriter who wrote and collaborated on some of the most memorable songs of Fleetwood Mac. These include “Songbird,” “Don’t Stop,” “You Make Loving Fun,” “Say You Love Me,” “Little Lies,” "Everywhere," and “Over My Head” to name some.
Her family’s official statement read, “She was in the company of her family. We kindly ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this extremely painful time, and we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and revered musician who was loved universally. RIP Christine McVie.”
Christine McVie, real name Christine Anne Perfect, was born July 12, 1943. She joined Fleetwood Mac in 1970 and stayed until 1998. After a hiatus, she rejoined the band in 2014 and played in the band until 2019.